Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's packed with flavor but requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this incredible One-Pot Italian Chicken and Rice recipe that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, infused with rich tomatoes and aromatic Italian seasonings - all prepared in a single pot that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down to brown, about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from pot and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients and create an even layer.
- Carefully place browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they partially sink into the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, gently scatter fresh spinach leaves over the top to wilt.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and the best browning results.
- Don't skip the initial chicken browning step - this develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
- Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and the flavors to fully meld together.
- For extra richness, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine or add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or using different herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
